The Religious
Manifestation

It is the 14th
September in the Cathedral and the Crucifix
is carried away from its Chapel and conducted to the main alter amongst
the cries of "Hossanah" from the devotees to the sound of
church bells and fireworks. In the evening the exit of the Crucifix is
one of the special moments. The sacred image is sustained by the
fraternal brothers for a few moments under the big antique Renaissance
main door. The religious procession follows along the long winding old
main paths, while the people follow silently in prayer behind the holy
effigy. The Crucifix is carried by the Devotees while the fraternity of
the Holy Tttrinity, the women congregation of the Heart of Jesus walk
behind. They are followed by the musical band.

The
Feast of The Holy Trinity. On the first Sunday of June, every
alternate year (odd) there is the feast of the Holy Trynity. The most
intense moment of the festivity is the morning. The people of Forza
D'Agrò are preceded by the members of the Fraternity of the Holy
Trinity. The high banner of the Holy Trinity is carried in procession by
the "brothers". The procession begins its journey from the
Triade to greet the fraternal brothers of Gallodoro. The
meeting
between the two communities takes place in the open countryside below
the barren and romantic rocks from which the panoramic view of the
Taormina Bay can be seen. The two processions slowly walk towards each
other swaying slowly their respective banners. The movement of the
banners is the focal point of the spectators who watch with emotional
anticipation the joining of the two banners. The "Kiss"
which is symbolic of good wishes, bestows relief to the population who
take part in the minifestation of friendship. It is a sign of true
auspiciousness. There is a jubilation of voices and applauses and sounds
of fireworks in its suggestive surroundings. At the end of the
eurocristic celebration and the procession of the banners, as a token of
hospitality, everyone is given a small ringshaped cake "cuddura".

At
sun set the statue of the Holy Trinity is carried in procession.

The
Feast of The Bay Leaves. Tradition is that on Easter Monday there is
theprocession of the sacred oils. The
bay leaves are the symbol of the triumphant Christ and
accompanies the sacred oils. The banners are made from bay leaves. The
display of religious symbols are made from the bay leaves which are put
on wooden frames and are carried in procession to the far end of the
village to be blessed. Even on this occasion the "cuddure"
are distributed to the people.

Translationby
Maria Nirelli

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